Was pointed towards this recent blog poll on some interface methods and techniques that could be applied to improve the user experience of business applications.

The “winners” although there are clearly a diverse set of methods that seem to rise to the top – and frankly – why not as none of these are exclusive of the other, potentially all could be utilized in a single application to enhance the experience as needed:

• 19% Fewer Screens // Utilizing AJAX and a single page app layout
• 14% Type-ahead/Auto-Complete Search // Pulling relevant suggestions for quicker completion is definitely helpful
• 13% Context-Sensitive Navigation // Adjusting tools, links, and means to a goal based on context is clearly logical – keeping the cooking  elements in the kitchen and the tools in the garage
• 13% Multi-Variate Testing // Now here’s my vote for the “winner”. Utilizing actual use (along with contextual observation of target users using your application) is a key primary tool to create truly effective, efficient, and enjoyable expereinces – utilizing all the previously mentioned RIA tools.

Utilizing the power of actual use and user preference from multivariate testing, a web app gains valuable response and iterative improvement meeting the needs of the users but also targeting the product owner’s visions for a differentiated product.

It is not surprising, from my perspective, that the social networking tools did not score high… In a business application context, the primary goals are to “get the job done” secondarilly (if at all) would be to share socially in som way.

An interesting poll, Derek. but what I’d rather see is a open question/survey about “What do you think is the most important UX method in creating a successful web application.” And even then, as always, the answer will be IT DEPENDS (context, target users, and design constraints always guide the proper solution).

Just my two centavos for what they’re worth. Other thoughts?